Chuck D, KRS-One, Melle Mel, Scorpio Drop Political Anthem “Project 2025”
Hip-Hop legends Chuck D, KRS-One Melle Mel, and Scorpio team up for “Project 2025,” a politically minded track that arrives just a few weeks ahead of the upcoming Presidential election.
Created as a response to The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which plans to “reshape the federal government,” the song, produced by Scorpio, finds the rap vets using their voices to spread awareness regarding the controversial manifesto.
“Not only does this song open up a platform for Hip-Hop to discuss one of the most salient topics in American politics today, but MCs have always been the voice of the streets, and the ‘streets’ ain’t with Project 2025,” KRS-One said in a statement. “Let it be heard. Let it be known.”
KRS-One performs onstage during Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium on August 11, 2023 in New York City.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Melle Mel also echoed his Bronx counterpart’s sentiment. “No matter who you vote for, the fact that you’re politically motivated and having a say on which direction the country is going is the most important thing you can do right now,” he said.
“This track brings me, KRS, and Chuck D together—something that should have happened a long time ago. The fact that we can use Hip-Hop to present it from an OG perspective means everything.”
Scorpio, the track’s producer, also expressed the urgency behind the making of “Project 2025” in a statement. “We were a voice for the people,” the New Yorker said.
Scorpio and Molly Mel attend the “Beat Street” screening during the 2024 Tribeca Festival at Village East Cinema on June 14, 2024 in New York City.
John Lamparski/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
“Even Chuck D labeled it the ‘Black CNN.’ We let people know what’s going on in the world, but I think we’ve strayed away from that. This track brings it back.”
Scorpio continued, “This record is not going against one candidate or really supporting another,” Scorpio clarified. “We’re just putting out what some of the issues could be concerning Project 2025. We’re not here to pick sides—we’re here to make sure people understand what’s at stake.”
With the spector of the 2024 Presidential Election upon us, Chuck D also touched the importance of making one’s vote count in a statement coinciding with the track’s release.
Chuck D attends the 21st Annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on August 06, 2023 in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for MVAAFF)
“Rights that have been fought for over decades can be taken away in an instant by people not paying attention,” the Public Enemy frontman said.
“That goes for women’s rights, the environment, health care, climate—everything. People need to read the fine print and stop signing away their futures without knowing what they’re agreeing to.”
According to KRS-One, “Project 2025” was created to help galvanize the culture around a common cause that affects us all. “The power of Hip-Hop has always been in its ability to unite and inspire people,” be said. “We are Hip-Hop, the most powerful urban culture on the planet. If we don’t like something, it’s hard for that thing to survive. It’s time to believe in our voice again.”
Listen to “Project 2025” below.